“Dear World, This Is What It Means to Be a Girl in Africa”

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I was only eight when I realized the world had placed a label on me—“less.”

Not because of my mind.  

Not because of my heart.  

But because I was born with the body of a girl—  

in a continent where being female often means being invisible, unheard, and unprotected.

In Africa, girls are taught early to:

- Stay quiet when they are violated.  

- Smile when they are hurting.  

- Be strong without being seen.  

They are forced to become women before they ever get the chance to be children.

We carry water before we carry books.  

We learn how to cook before we learn how to dream.  

We are told marriage is our crown before purpose is even introduced.

But dear world, we are tired.

Tired of fighting for space we were born to occupy.  

Tired of proving our worth in classrooms, communities, and churches.  

Tired of being called “brave” for surviving what no one should have to endure.

I was one of those girls.  

Now, I am a woman—still carrying those wounds, but also holding a torch.

Because today, I choose to be a voice.  

Not just for the girl I was, but for the girls who are still growing.  

Still afraid.  

Still silenced.  

Still waiting for someone to say, "I see you."

So, to the world, here’s what it really means to be a girl in Africa:

It means…

- Having dreams bigger than your village, but being told to shrink.  

- Being educated but underestimated.  

- Being brilliant but boxed in.  

- Fighting for your life in places that should protect you.

But it also means…

- Rising anyway.  

- Creating movements from pain.  

- Turning silence into speeches.  

- Building platforms like QueenShero so no girl ever feels alone again.

Why I Wrote This:

Because someone needs to hear this truth.  

Because a girl somewhere needs to know she’s not alone.  

Because I’m no longer waiting for the world to listen — I’m speaking now.

And I hope you'll listen.  

Not just with your ears — but with your actions, funding, policy, and support.

Because the future is female.  

And Africa’s girls?  

We’re not asking for permission anymore.

We’re taking our power back.

Written by: QueenMother

Girl Child Advocate | Founder, QueenShero Africa

 Join the Movement

Share this post.  

Email: queensheroafrica@gmail.com  



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